The Money Behind Johnson’s Stunning LIV Decision

Dustin Johnson’s decision to participate in the LIV Golf Invitational Series’ inaugural event has both shocked and puzzled the golf world.

On Tuesday, the Saudi-backed league announced 42 players for the 48-man, 12-team event in London on June 9-11, and Johnson’s inclusion was as surprising as LIV booster Phil Mickelson’s initial absence.

The World No. 13 men’s golfer previously pledged allegiance to the PGA Tour — where he’s won 24 titles including the 2016 U.S. Open and 2020 Masters — but a massive payday from LIV was enough to flip the Tour’s third all-time earner ($74.3M).

• Johnson was paid $125M from LIV CEO Greg Norman to commit to the series, according to The Telegraph. 
• Total prize money for eight LIV events will be $255M, with seven regular-season tournaments featuring $25M purses — and $4M for winning.
• The top three individuals after seven regular-season events will share a $30M bonus, and a final match-play championship will feature $50M in payouts.

The 37-year-old is one of three former World No. 1’s (Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood) to commit to the tournament — and it appears there will be consequences.

According to the New York Post, Johnson sponsor RBC implied it has cut ties with him — a decision probably influenced by the fact that the London event will be played the same weekend as the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open.

In addition, the PGA Tour may discipline those who participate in LIV events.